Chapter 24
Daven wakes up to find Althea gone without a word, leaving him haunted by her absence and the intimacy they shared. He struggles with overwhelming thoughts about her, feeling restless and distracted throughout his busy day. Despite his efforts to focus, he loosens his tie and battles the persistent emptiness gnawing at him.
At work, Daven’s assistant Arven notices his unusual distraction during an important meeting about a merger. Daven’s mind drifts repeatedly to memories of Althea, causing him to lose focus and hesitate on decisions he would normally make confidently. His unusual behavior puzzles the board members and Arven, highlighting a stark contrast to the composed CEO they know.
Unable to concentrate, Daven abruptly ends the meeting early, citing other matters to attend to. As he walks away, he frantically searches for Althea’s contact information on his phone, only to realize he doesn’t have her number saved. His frustration mounts as he calls for Arsen to find it, revealing his desperate need to reconnect with her and the emotional turmoil he is experiencing.
Chapter 24
Perhaps, deep down, he had allowed himself to believe it all along.
She had given him everything—her warmth, her body, her trust—without any conditions or hesitation. Yet when dawn broke and he finally opened his eyes, she was nowhere to be found. No sign of her beside him, no whispered farewell, only a silence so heavy it felt louder than any noise he had ever heard.
He never voiced it aloud, but the emptiness gnawed at him relentlessly.
Had he truly been so consumed by her presence?
“Was she really untouched before last night?” he muttered to himself, running a hand through his tousled hair. “That’s unreal p>
He wasn’t sure if his words were meant as praise or sarcasm, but either way, the feeling settled uncomfortably in his chest.
“Damn it. Why can’t I stop thinking about her?” he cursed under his breath, frustration tightening his jaw.
“And why the hell did I refuse lunch?” he grumbled, recalling how good her cooking had been. “It was actually… damn good p>
Pressing his fingers against his temples, he tried desperately to shove these thoughts aside. No matter how overwhelming the pressure, how packed his schedule, he never once loosened his tie during the day.
But now?
Without hesitation, he yanked it loose.
Whatever was eating at him had burrowed beneath his skin deeper than he cared to admit.
A sharp knock jolted him from his spiraling thoughts.
He turned toward the door.
“Come in,” he said flatly, his voice void of emotion.
Arven, his assistant, stepped inside carrying a stack of documents that required Daven’s signature. He also came bearing a reminder.
“Ten minutes until the meeting, Mr. Callister. Room 3B. It’s the one about the Osaka branch merger p>
Daven gave a slight nod but didn’t even glance at the files piled before him. His face was blank, distant, as if his mind was miles away. Arven furrowed his brows, confusion flickering across his features. In all the time he had worked with Daven Callister, he had never seen the man look so unsettled. Something was definitely wrong.
After a moment’s hesitation, Arven ventured cautiously, “Sir… are you alright p>
“Why are you wasting time asking pointless questions?” Daven snapped sharply.
Arven immediately fell silent.
“Just make sure everything’s ready for the meeting. We still have twenty minutes, right?” Daven checked his Rolex without waiting for an answer.
“Yes, sir,” Arven replied, nodding and stepping back, deciding it was best not to linger. It seemed like Daven was trying to refocus on the work in front of him.
But beneath the surface, the truth was far different.
Throughout the meeting, Arven’s suspicions were confirmed. Daven was clearly distracted. He kept zoning out, and whenever someone spoke to him, they had to repeat themselves two or three times. Even during the most critical parts of the presentation, it was painfully obvious his mind was elsewhere.
Could Arven ask again what was troubling him?
Because the man sitting at the head of the table was not the Daven Callister everyone knew—the sharp, decisive, always-in-control CEO.
Meanwhile, Daven fought with every ounce of willpower to pull himself back into the present, but it was useless.
He couldn’t stop thinking about Althea—her voice, her gentle smile, the way she had offered to make him lunch that morning. The memories played on an endless loop in his mind, refusing to be silenced.
He took a long sip of water, trying to steady himself.
Damn it. What had that woman done to him?
“Mr. Callister p>
The voice pulled him back to reality. One of the board directors was waiting expectantly.
“Yes?” Daven blinked, shaking off the fog.
“We’re waiting for your final decision on the expansion to the eastern district p>
“Right,” he cleared his throat. “Give me a moment p>
He skimmed the report quickly, but no matter how many figures and charts he absorbed, the image of Althea’s face kept bleeding through his thoughts.
“I need more time to consider it,” he finally said, closing the folder.
Around the room, surprised glances were exchanged. It was unlike Daven to hesitate on a decision—especially after such thorough preparation. Many had even braced themselves for overtime, expecting immediate orders from him.
Instead, they turned to Arven, their eyes silently demanding an explanation.
But Arven could only shrug, just as confused as the rest.
“We’re done for now,” Daven said abruptly, standing and gathering his documents. “I have something else to take care of p>
With that, he left the boardroom behind, leaving stunned silence in his wake.
He didn’t stop until he was far down the corridor, already pulling out his phone. He typed quickly, then paused. Scrolled through his contacts. Searched again.
“What the hell… I don’t have her number p>
He came to a sudden halt.
His thumb raced furiously through the list of contacts, name after name, but no sign of Althea.
Frustration flared, sharp and sudden.
“Arsen!” he barked, his voice sharp and commanding.
Arsen, who had just stepped out of the meeting room, turned around and hurried back toward him.
“Yes, Mr. Daven p>
“Find my wife’s number,” Daven snapped. “Why the hell don’t I have it saved p>
The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing Daven’s inner turmoil as he grapples with the sudden, unexpected impact Althea has had on him. His struggle to maintain composure in the face of overwhelming distraction reveals the depth of his emotional conflict. The contrast between his usual control and current vulnerability highlights a man caught between the demands of his public life and the private chaos stirred by a fleeting yet profound connection.
This moment of quiet desperation underscores the chapter’s exploration of longing and the elusive nature of intimacy. Daven’s frantic search for Althea’s contact information symbolizes not just a desire to reclaim a lost connection, but also a deeper yearning for something genuine amid the shadows of his carefully constructed world. The unresolved tension leaves readers suspended in the delicate space between hope and uncertainty, reflecting the complexity of human desire and the fragility of trust.
Next chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional turmoil that Daven is grappling with, as the lingering presence of Althea continues to haunt his every thought. His struggle to maintain control over his professional life while wrestling with the unexpected intensity of his feelings sets the stage for a compelling inner conflict. The tension between his public persona and private vulnerability will likely become even more pronounced, drawing readers into the complexity of his character.
At the same time, the mystery surrounding Althea’s sudden disappearance and the absence of her contact details hints at unresolved questions that may soon come to light. Will Daven uncover the reasons behind her vanishing act, or will this only deepen his confusion and frustration? The next chapter may also explore the reactions of those around him, like Arven and the board members, as they sense the shifting dynamics in Daven’s behavior. Expect a blend of suspense and emotional depth as the story continues to unravel.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.